newboult51
Well-Known Member
When I was a kid it was rare to see boots on horses and certainly never on ponies, but it seems now that everyone uses them and you're a bad horse owner if you do so much as a quiet flatwork session without them. Personally I just use them for xc only for 2 reasons; firstly there are so many types and brands on the market and as many opinions that I haven't a clue which to use when and secondly; I've never been convinced that they are necessary. This is particularly when showjumping, when I prefer my horse to feel when they have knocked a pole, and don't want them to feel restricted.
Anyway, I didn't really think more of it than until I saw a lecture by an orthopaedic vet and an equine exercise physiology expert recently who have done some research and this is what they found -
-Most riders are in confusion of which boots to use for which activity
-There is a wide variation in the level of protection provided by boots that are described as performing the same function
- There is minimal evidence to suggest that any boots provide support for soft tissues or bone structure
-Some boots can reduce the flexibility of the limb, which creates a risk of load bearing from one structure to another
-Boots can restrict joints, and movement and therefore performance
-They add weight and so gait and performance are effected
-Wearing boots increases the temperature of tendons during exercise and there is evidence that this can lead to tendon damage.
- they tested a large sample of boots on the market and found many did not offer protection against concussion.
Thought this was food for thought !
Anyway, I didn't really think more of it than until I saw a lecture by an orthopaedic vet and an equine exercise physiology expert recently who have done some research and this is what they found -
-Most riders are in confusion of which boots to use for which activity
-There is a wide variation in the level of protection provided by boots that are described as performing the same function
- There is minimal evidence to suggest that any boots provide support for soft tissues or bone structure
-Some boots can reduce the flexibility of the limb, which creates a risk of load bearing from one structure to another
-Boots can restrict joints, and movement and therefore performance
-They add weight and so gait and performance are effected
-Wearing boots increases the temperature of tendons during exercise and there is evidence that this can lead to tendon damage.
- they tested a large sample of boots on the market and found many did not offer protection against concussion.
Thought this was food for thought !